Perkasie Store To Close Renner & Lowery Will Shut Doors

May 19, 1986|The Morning Call

Renner & Lowery Furniture, which for more than a half-century was one of Perkasie's most familiar family owned retail stores, will be shutting its doors by Aug. 1.

Lloyd Lowery, a co-owner of the furniture and appliance outlet, said going-out-of-business signs will be posted in the store Wednesday. Lowery said the half-block-long store and adjacent lot at 6th and Market streets is being sold to Russell M. Keeler, a retired Perkasie real estate broker.

Established in 1933 by twin brothers Claude and Edwin Renner, the business grew from a used furniture business in a barn to the large three-story building that was headquarters for the business for most of its history.

Edwin Renner died in 1979. Claude Renner has been a minority owner since 1969, according to Lowery, whose brother Russell is also a co-owner.

Keeler, who declined to disclose the purchase price, said he is pursuing several options for use of the building. Some prospective tenants have approached him about leasing space, Keeler said.

"I don't know what we're going to do at this point. There are several things in mind," Keeler said.

He added that he intends to take possession of the property by Aug. 1, but the takeover date could be sooner, depending on when Renner & Lowery disposes of its stock.

Lloyd Lowery, 65, said the business was established by the Renners 53 years ago in a barn on 4th Street in Perkasie. The brothers, who became active in Perkasie civic affairs - Claude Renner went on to be mayor of the borough - eventually moved the store to its present location by the end of the 1930s, Lowery said.

The Renners originally sold used furniture but soon began selling new goods. Lowery said the store continued in the used furniture business over the years.

"As long as we could get it,we'd trade in a lot of that stuff and sell new and used. We still sell a few used pieces now and then," he said.